Backup & File Sharing, Intermedia news, SecuriSync Backup and File Sharing, Security
Don’t be fooled – a file server alone is not adequate file management
File servers are many partners’ preferred method for client file management. It makes sense because file servers are centralized resources and they provide an efficient, secure, and easy-to-manage way to provide file storage and sharing across the enterprise.
But while file servers are ideal for IT management, they’re difficult for end users. And end users’ resistance to exclusively use file servers for their file management needs may be creating gaps in any data protection strategy you might have in place for your clients. By using only file servers to manage files, you may be lulled into a sense of complacency that your clients’ files are completely protected.
File Servers Actually Lead To Potential Data Loss
Let’s take a closer look at how end user behavior is creating data loss risks for your clients:
Data is actually being stored outside of the file server. Most users will save files and folders to their Desktop or Documents folder because these are default saving locations in most applications. These files are not being backed up or secured if they’re not on the server, and are vulnerable if hardware is lost or stolen, hardware fails, or the files become corrupted. You might spend several hours or even days trying to restore files in such scenarios, with no guarantee that you’ll be successful.
Mobile users exacerbate the problem. If you have remote or traveling users, they will need to work with files when they’re out of the office. You may have configured remote access for your file server, but users are likely to perceive it as difficult and time-consuming. They’re far more likely to just copy documents to their desktop and work offline when they’re out of the office—meaning that these files are not being backed up or protected. Or, they may not be able to access the documents they need, leading to lost productivity.
Users are likely bringing in other tools. Users are likely to find an easier way to access files outside of the office and may share files with people outside of the company. Your users are likely bringing in consumer file storage and sharing services like Dropbox®, OneDrive®, Google Drive™ and more. These tools are very popular because they’re so easy to use and highly mobile. But content stored in these services is outside of IT’s control and cannot be accessed by IT managers. If critical business data is being stored on these services, you have no access to it. You cannot manage it on behalf of your customers nor can you troubleshoot it. Additionally, shadow IT further undercuts MSPs by replacing a potential billable service with a free service.
Supplement Your File Server
You can address these risks by supplementing file servers with a business-grade file sync and share service like SecuriSync®. SecuriSync combines the ease of use and mobility of consumer-grade file sync and share services with the IT management and control of file servers. It also adds real-time backup and point-in-time restore capabilities for desktops, laptops, and other end points that help significantly reduce downtime in case of hardware failure, hardware loss, or from crypto-locker type ransomware attacks.
SecuriSync is a registered trademark of Intermedia.net, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Dropbox is a trademark of Dropbox, Inc. OneDrive is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Google Drive is either registered trademarks or trademarks of Google Inc.
